The mayoral seat and all six City Council members are on the ballot during the election. The mayor and all council members are elected to two-year terms, with no member allowed to serve more than six consecutive two-year terms in any place, according to city officials. Paul Voelker has served as the mayor of Richardson since 2015.
Candidate packets can be picked up at the Richardson Innovation Quarter Headquarters at 1302 E. Collins Blvd. No appointment is necessary to obtain a packet, but city officials said scheduling a time is recommended for new candidates to review the filing information. An electronic packet is available upon request via email. Candidates can file in-person, over U.S. Mail or via email.
Qualifications for those wishing to join City Council include not having been convicted of a felony, being at least 21 years old and having been a resident of Richardson for at least one year.
Four council seats—places 1 through 4—must live in their corresponding district, with the mayor and two council seats serving the entire city. However, all seven positions are elected at-large, with all registered Richardson citizens able to vote in any race for the City Council.
The deadline to file for the election is Feb. 17. Early voting begins April 24 and continues through May 2 ahead of the general election. A potential runoff election would be held June 10.
Editors note: This article has been updated to reflect the Paul Voelker has served as Richardson's mayor since 2015.
